August Updates

Tania holds a microphone in her hand while looking at the camera. In the background are people holding signs that say "Now entering renter's territory"

Tenants at 3100 Bloomington File Rent Escrows, Showing the Urgent Need for Repairs

Tenants at 3100 Bloomington have repeatedly met with their landlord to ask for necessary, prompt repairs. They’ve gone on rent strike, calling for new security doors, a fair and respectful rent, and repairs. Due to insecure doors allowing strangers into the building, tenant leader Tania said at a May press conference, “You can’t be calm here because we and our children could be assaulted…Our neighbors have been assaulted. We pay our rent in order to live well.”

After continuing mice and cockroach infestations, broken sinks, leaking gray water, and other urgent needs, tenants are taking matters into their own hands by filing rent escrows. According to HOME Line MN and Law Help MN, when a landlord violates Minnesota or city laws around repairs or lease protections, a tenant can do a rent escrow action by paying their rent to the court instead of the landlord. The residents of 3100 Bloomington are taking action to show that they won’t accept the continual effects of infestations and the lack of repairs on their finances, mental health, and physical well-being. 

Regarding the board Semillas de Esperanza, our tenants leaders plan to meet with Council Members Andrea Jenkins and LaTrisha Vetaw. We are also doorknocking to underscore the importance of rent stabilization in our communities.  

Unlearning Systems of Oppression to Create Networks of Care

The Sky Without Limits Cooperative (SWL) continues to build a solid foundation of justice, dignity, and autonomy within a fair and democratic process. Breaking down the barriers of individualism, unlearning systems of oppression, and creating networks of care requires patience and time. That’s one of the many reasons why Cooperative members and organizers built the Finance, Maintenance, and Participation committees. The committees and asambleas - where members come together to build across lines of difference over food and stories - are key to finding solutions to problems the community is facing, such as public safety without police, financial support for families struggling to pay rent, and defining member participation. Asambleas and committees allow each family to have their voice heard and vote cast on any upcoming community decisions. 

SWL also hired two external development consultants, one that will focus on SWL as a legal entity, interviewing staff and tenants and doing research to find the best legal structure for the cooperative, and the other will focus on fundraising and financing for the co-op. These consultants will work in concert with staff and the Board of Directors to ensure they find the best path forward for SWL.

Progress Residential (Previously HavenBrook) Tenant Leaders and Organizers Call on Kern County Employees Retirement Association to Halt Investment

At an August 10th meeting of the Kern County Employees Retirement Association (KCERA) board, the Private Equity Stakeholder Project (PESP) and IX called on KCERA to halt its proposed investment in Landmark Partners. Progress Residential is funded by major investors such as Landmark Partners, yet Progress Residential (previously HavenBrook) tenants in Minneapolis report going years without necessary repairs for issues related to lead paint, black mold, pest infestations, flooding, and electrical hazards.  

Jimmy Harris, a Progress Residential tenant leader in Minneapolis, says “Even though I took my landlord to court in the last few months, I’m still struggling to get repairs in my home. I’ve been asking for repairs since my home was broken into at the beginning of July, and they still haven’t been done.”

You Are Essential to Our Past and Future Success

As rents increase and evictions surpass pre-pandemic levels, please consider donating to support the movement for renters’ rights. At IX, we’ve fought alongside renters to win much-needed renter protections across the City of Minneapolis. The only way to continue the fight however is through support such as yours. You are essential to our past and future success. 

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